Updates

Fraud and cyber security – Prepare to Prevent

The risk of fraud – especially cyber fraud – is not going away.   The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Cyber Security Breaches Survey, published in March 2021, records that one in four charities reported a cybersecurity breach in 2020-21, rising to one in two for higher-income charities. There are steps that you …
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Navigating the polarised politics of our times

Politics and public discourse have become increasingly fractured in recent years. More and more charities are bumping into the obstacle of the so-called ‘culture wars’. Navigating these issues can be a minefield for charity staff and trustees, who are pulled in what might be seen as competing directions. Charities’ work risks being seen as controversial, …
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The Charities Act 2022 explained: Charity names

In this blog we look at provisions in the Charities Act 2022 which will extend the Charity Commission’s powers in relation to charity names and, in particular, in relation to working names, possibly increasing the risk of challenges and name disputes. What do you need to know? Currently, the formal or legal name of all …
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Our tips for avoiding contractual disputes over office equipment

We are frequently approached by clients that have found themselves locked into expensive, fixed-term contracts for office devices which they can’t easily get out of. The considerable costs which arise from such contracts are a particular issue at the moment with many charities and companies facing financial difficulties as result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although …
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The Children’s Code is now in place -here’s what you need to know.

The ICO’s new Age Appropriate Design Code (“the Children’s Code”) is now effective. Children are defined widely under the Code as anyone under the age of 18. This marks a significant change in the UK where, for some years, additional data protection obligations have been triggered only in relation to children under the age of …
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Brexit – where are we now?

As the UK moves into a new relationship with the EU, what do charities and social enterprises need to know? Our new briefing provides guidance across key areas of law. The United Kingdom is now in a new relationship with the European Union. After many months of negotiations, an agreement on the future partnership was …
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Diversity in action: A guide for charities – membership charities

When you want to make positive changes to promote greater diversity within your membership or trustee body, you need to know when the Equality Act may apply. In the third section of our diversity in action guide, we explore the practical impact of the Equality Act, looking at the complexities of encouraging diversity in membership …
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Marking Data Protection Day in 2021

The date of the annual Data Protection Day (28th January) doesn’t change but the world has changed considerably since 28th January 2020.  The impact of COVID-19 on communities and families as well as businesses and the non-profit world cannot be overstated. Many would ask whether it’s possible to return to life as we knew it …
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Diversity in action: A guide for charities – back to basics

Is discrimination ever lawful? The second article in our diversity in action guide gives a brief introduction to the legislation on diversity – the Equality Act 2010. Navigating the law around diversity and discrimination can feel like a minefield. Here we set out fundamental principles charities need to be aware of, including: Is discrimination ever …
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Handy tips for B Corporations

Throughout our history, we’ve focused on creating a positive social and environmental impact as much as we have on being a successful law firm. For that reason we knew that certifying as a B Corp was something we wanted to do. So in 2015 we became the first UK law firm to do so. We …
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Employers must ‘tread extremely carefully’ when hiring EU nationals before 30th June 2021

As it stands, citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland who are working in the UK are eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). This allows workers and their families to continue living in the UK after 30th June 2021 – when the scheme ends.
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Diversity in action: A guide for charities

With diversity and inclusion high on the agenda across the third sector, we’ve produced a guide for clients looking to develop and instil best practice in their charities. In this guide, we’ve included a range of specialist advice and practical guidance designed to help you negotiate the law and to incorporate good practices into your …
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